4s and Young 5s Teachers

Melissa - Lead Teacher

Melissa has her bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University and also has her Site Supervisor Permit. She has been in the field for over 10 years where she has taught from pre-k up to Kindergarten. To see students think of an idea and to see them execute it on their own with little teacher instruction is one of the best ways children learn. Melissa feels that not only should teachers teach children but that we, as teachers, should learn from the children as well.

Maria - Lead Teacher

Maria started her career working as a children’s swim instructor, including for those with special needs. She quickly discovered that she loved teaching children. Working with children since she was 17 years old really opened her eyes to see that all children, including children with developmental difficulties, have unique interests and special skills. She developed her own skills and philosophy geared toward helping children achieve their goals. She has three teenagers whom she raised and has enjoyed being part of their busy lives.

When not at work or with her family, she plays and coaches youth volleyball. She also loves to play kickball and to paint with acrylic paints. . Maria speaks fluent Spanish and English and hopes that the children can one day learn to love to learn new languages. Bienvenido‘s alas Aventuras, del Pasaporte. Estoy, Muy, Alegre, de Estar en Esta clase!

Pam – Teacher

Pam has a bachelor’s degree in child development from California State University, Hayward and holds a Children’s Center Life Permit and Lifetime Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She has been teaching since 1973 and joined the Children’s Corner staff in 2007. A credentialed Kindergarten teacher as well as a former elementary school principal, preschool director and preschool teacher, Pam leads our Transitional Kindergarten program Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ian – Assistant Teacher

Ian has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California and has taken additional early childhood education classes at local junior colleges. Ian has worked part time at Children’s Corner since 2001 while attending college and joined the staff full time in 2007. He is also an alumnus of Children’s Corner. He holds an Associate Teacher Permit from the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. He works in the 4s and Young 5s program five mornings a week and in the Young Explorers program on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Christine– Assistant Teacher

Christine (Assistant Teacher) has been teaching at Children’s Corner since 2017 and is really enjoying her time learning about each age group. She has her Bachelors of Art in Theatre Studies from Sonoma State University but has been taking Early Childhood courses from De Anza College to get her Teacher certification and go from there. She really enjoys helping children grow and learn and enjoy their time at Children’s Corner. She also is very active in her theatre circle and teaches theatrical makeup in the theatre department at Leigh Highschool.